in the month of DECEMBER...

it was FUN to watch the kids perform their songs, they did a GREAT job!

of course my oldest was the last one at the table when we painted salt dough ornaments. he's an artist in the making!

i had all the cousins that live around us over for a CHRISTMAS party! the kids had a blast playing games, decorating ornaments and watching a christmas movie!

one of the fun things about having all the christmas goodies around is that you can eat them for breakfast. probably not the healthiest but it sure does taste GOOD!

the stockings aren't ready to be hung.... oh well, we'll just have to go back to the dads sock trick for 1 more year. i don't think the kids will mind as long as santa fills it ; )

wishing you and your family a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

xoxo

sandra

CHILDRENS gift ideas!

how CUTE is this purse! Home Baked Threads has a GREAT shop on etsy where you can find purses, crayon wallets and balls!


these aprons made by Key 2 Life are FABULOUS! if you have a "little chef" in your house these would make the perfect gift! check out her shop for more choices!


these adorable pillows are made by Bella Marie Designs. children LOVE seeing their names... what a GREAT way to make them feel special!


if you have a little artist in your home this is the perfect gift! it holds a sketch book and coloured crayons all in a convenient case. this one is not ready made, it comes as a pattern by The Sometimes Crafter and you can find it here.


here's a fun and inexpensive idea from the OUR HAPPY LITTLE NEST BLOG. what a great way to make a puppet show FUN, EASY to set up and EASY to store. All you need is a yard or two of fabric, and 2 pressure rods. i've also seen this same idea but using only 1 curtain, which works really well as well. either way you make it, i think any child would have fun making up plays or even playing house!




have fun shopping handmade!

create!

xo sandra

HAPPY DECEMBER

it's been slooow goooing around here. being pregnant with my fifth and having to hold down the fort has been a challenge. i've been SO tired. i don't want to sound like a complainer, i feel SO blessed, i just have to get use to slowing down and taking it easy. which is difficult when i have a closet FULL of fabric just waiting ; )

we pulled out the christmas decorations the other day and made some salt dough decorations. i noticed our stockings were lacking in the style department and were getting pretty old and dated. actually... come to think of it, i think the kids used my husbands socks for stockings last year. that just won't do, not when i have some leftover christmas fabric lying around. so i decided it is time they got a handmade stocking, just the way they want it. i drew up some possible designs, they added some things to personalize them and here is a sneak peak of what we dreamed up!



WISH ME LUCK! it's going to be a challenge to get them done but i'll "getter done"!

xo

sandra

Rice WRAP's Wednesday

almost missed wednesday but i figure i still have a few hours left ; )


Shrimp & Avocado Rice Wraps

1 pkg rice paper wrappers
1 pkg rice noodles
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1-2 carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup thinly shredded lettuce
12-15 pre-cooked shrimp sliced width wise in half
mint leaves or cilantro if desired

sauce: peanut satay sauce (this was chucks favourite)
and or
tangy thai sauce (this was my favourite, the one i used was made by Renee's)

cook rice noodles as directed, set aside. in a warm bowl of water add 1 rice paper, let soak until softened. remove and place on a clean dish towel. place shrimp, avocado, cucumber, carrots, lettuce, and then noodles in the rice paper. wrap up starting at one end, fold in both sides and then finish wrapping. repeat steps until all ingredients are used. serve with sauce

ENJOY!

sandra

final QUILT Class

the final quilt class was last night. i'm going to miss it. i'm so proud of all of the woman for what they have accomplished. they came a long way from the beginning. from trying to figure out their feet and bobbin to quilting their quilts. everyone came away from the class knowing there machine's a little better, they were able to sew a little better, and i feel confident that they have the skills to be able to quilt on their own. which is exactly what i was hoping to accomplish with this class.

it was really GREAT to get to know these ladies a little better. every wednesday felt like a girls night out which i will miss. Each quilt was unique and beautiful... it was a GREAT experience.

xo

sandra

MONSTER TACO's for "Wrap WEDNESDAY"

This recipe was inspired in Kauai. The restaurant was made up of 3 tables a tent topper and a mesh surround. My mother-in-law assured us they were good so we tried them out.
My sister-in-law enjoying her's with the restaurant (tent) behind.

Isn't that the way it goes, the little whole in the wall usually always has the BEST food. Here's my recipe so you can try them for yourself!


MONSTER TACO's

8-10 tortilla shells
2 cups red cabbage sliced thin
3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Make all toppings. Cook chicken in a hot skillet with 1 tsp of oil for 5-7 minutes or until done. Set aside. Rub tortilla shells with a light coating of butter and then place on a hot pan for 30-50 seconds per side or until golden brown. Place chicken and cabbage in the warmed shell and add your toppings. Wrap and serve with black beans, tortilla chips and salsa on the side.

Chicken Marinade

juice from 2 limes with zest
3 TBsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 TBsp Rice Vinegar
salt and pepper

Combined ingredients. Set 1 TBsp of marinade aside for the Lime sour cream mixture. Add chicken and marinate for 10 minutes.

TOPPINGS

Fresh Tomato Salsa

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 jalapeno seeded
2 TBsp chopped red onion
2 TBsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
1-2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp salt

Put everything but the diced tomatoes in a food processor. Combined ingredients and enjoy!

Lime SourCream

1 TBsp pre-made marinade
1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream
3 TBsp finely chopped cucumber
salt and pepper

Guacamole

2 avocados, mashed
juice from 1 lime
2 TBsp fresh salsa
salt and pepper to taste

Combined ingredients.


ENJOY!

xo

sandra

RED it is...

i chose RED... i fell in love with the look of the peppermint stripe binding, so it had to be the red ric rac. thanks for all your help! now it's off to the quilter's : ) i wouldn't dare quilt this one myself. it's to big and the bigger reason is that there is going to be red with white minky on the back, which is so hard to work with in large pieces. i'll leave that one up to the professional's : )

has anyone tried the Chinatown Lettuce Wraps yet? just asking because i have plans for a wrap wednesday #2 and i really think your going to LOVE it!

xo

sandra

time to choose

i have had this baby in a bag since last thanksgiving when my sister-in-law and i worked on it. it was all cut out, and ready to go i just needed to order a little more fabric. well, the fabric came and i decided it was time to get it finished. i haven't put the ric rac and borders on yet because i was trying to decide which combo i wanted to go with. i think i have decided... but thought it would be fun to see which one you liked best.

the PINK ric rac with the polka dot binding OR

the RED ric rac with the peppermint stripe binding

which ONE would YOU choose???


xo sandra

wrap wednesday

here's the recipe i was talking about in the last post. it's a combination of two recipe's, one that i have eaten at Joey's Tomatoe's (a tasty restourant) and a recipe that i found on Martha's Stewart's site. in any case they are very tasty and easy to make!



CHINATOWN LETTUCE WRAPS

3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
salt and pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion halved and thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
6-8 mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sprouts
3 Tbsp soy sauce
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp water
chopped peanuts
chopped fresh cilantro
12-16 Boston lettuce leaves (Iceburg lettuce works if you can't find Boston lettuce)


1. In a large skillet heat 1 Tbsp of oil, over high heat. Add chicken and season with salt and pepper. When the chicken is finished transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Add remaining oil to the pan along with onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes, add red pepper and mushrooms. Cook until red peppers are still slightly crispy. About 4 minutes.

3. Reduce heat, add garlic, ginger, sprouts and red pepper flakes. Cook stirring for 30 to 60 seconds.

4. Stir in soya sauce vinegar and cornstarch mixture; remove from heat. Add chicken, toss and coat. Garnish with peanuts and cilantro. Serve in lettuce cups.


ENJOY!!

sandra

missing in action

i know... it's been a while. my sister is a regular to my blog, she asked me if i was going to update it anytime soon because she wanted to stop looking at it if i wasn't... i guess that means everyone is probably getting a little bored at looking at the same old post as well. SORRY ABOUT THAT...

when i was in kauai i realized that i spend WAY to much time on the computer. checking for comments, looking for new ideas, surfing blogs, twittering... this list goes on. i needed some perspective and i feel like i got a little when i was there. i LOVE my computer but my house "duties" and motherly "duties" usually end up doubling by the time i get off. and then i feel overwhelmed and don't want to do anything but sit at the computer again... it's a vicious cycle. i'm just trying to brake myself from that habit.

i think being 2 and 1/2 months pregnant could have something to do with my energy levels lately : ) we are excited to have a little one around again! it just means that i need to slow down a little...

my quilt classes have been going so well. it's been fun to teach ladies how to quilt. i had to cancel the class tonight though, we have the flu around here. the last two classes should be in the next couple of weeks. i'll take pic's so you can check out the FUN!

i have a recipe i NEED to share... chuck and i LOVED it, the kids even thought they were fun to eat. i'll post it soon.

thanks for listening,

xo

sandra

girls trip

i've never been on a girls trip before today. i'm heading to one of my favourite places with some of my favourite ladies!

KAUAI here i come!! this was a pic from the last trip we took.

oh we had FUN!

it'll be nice to have no real agenda, just doing what ever we want when we want...

i have a feeling that i'm going to miss my 5 favourite people back home as soon as i get there. they're in very good hands though. my mom is coming up to take care of them and there's no one better!

i'll see you next week ; )

xo

sas

tired...

sometimes a snowy day is just what the doctor ordered. i have been stressed and tired lately trying to keep up with everyday things and the one's that i have added to it...

we had a yummy thanksgiving day ham on sunday, it was SO good! i had also bought a turkey for monday but i was distracted trying to make tags and finish some quilts. i accidentally left it in the sink for to long and when i checked it, it was warm... what a waste of a GOOD turkey. we decided just to go get some turkey breasts and cook those instead. (that'l work : )

i sent some quilts into Madisisiloot (the store in the mall), hopefully they sell well. i am making a children's apron for a ladies niece, it turned out so well that i made 1 for my niece and 1 for the shop. isn't that girl adorable? and she's looking SO old...

i need to prepare for my second round of quilt class's tomorrow, the first one was SO fun! it should be interesting with 7 sewing machines going at the same time, how FUN is that!!!

one thing at a time right? slowly but surely they will all get done.

i hope you don't feel to sorry for me though... on saturday i'm going with my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws to KAUAI! i'm excited and i think it comes at the perfect time.

i could really use a break...

xo

sas

**WINNERS**

drumroll please.... ; )

1st prize goes to comment #6:

Alysha who said-

thanks for the recipe!!!!

2nd prize goes to comment # 9:

Hailey who said-

ooo I'm in!!! everything looks awesome - and seriously, cheesecake carmel apples??? TO DIE FOR!!! can't wait to try them!

well my birthday is on halloween - which was always kind of fun. I never had trick or treating parties - but definitely had some fun costume parties. My mom always went all out for my parties - so fun! I'm sure my brother appreciated halloween - I don't like chocolate so he always got mine too. Funny, he never traded anything back for it *hmm*

3rd prize goes to comment # 18:

Twirlie Whirlies who said-

I never really liked Halloween as a child. I liked the idea of candy, and I certainly liked eating it at the end of the night, but I never enjoyed "begging" for the treats.

I never put much thought into my costumes. Where we live in Ontario, we often had to wear a winter coat out anyway so what was the point of putting in so much effort if no one was going to see it? So, I often just wore a cheapo Woolco plastic mask. The problem with that was that half the time, I couldn't see through the eye holes to know where I was going. So what usually happened was that I would wear it on top of my head with the intention to pull it down in time to yell "Trick or Treat" to some poor soul. Most of the time I forgot. So there was my brother, who really went all out for Halloween trying to make sure NO ONE knew who he was, standing beside his little sister with a big, unconcealed toothless grin! Boy did he ever get mad at me!

THANKS everyone! This was Fun... maybe next time it will have to be a quilt...

Prizes will be e-mailed!

HAPPY OCTOBER!!!

xo

sandra

** HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY **

I'm having an October 1st ** HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY ** and your invited ; ) Here's what we're giving away!

A NEW PDF Halloween Quilt Pattern! Triangula... My talented sister made this for me last year, i loved it so much i thought that i would make it into a pattern. It's a FUN and simple Halloween project that will look great as a decoration and also keep you warm on those chilly fall days! It's available in my shop.

These cute little Ghostie Halloween Gift Cards are made by the very talented Lindy, over at Crafted by Lindy. You will receive a pdf file with 6 ghosts per page and cutting instructions on how to make them. How FUN would these be attached to a caramel apple or a popcorn ball for teachers or neighbour gifts!

I have been waiting all year to post about this recipe! We have been making caramel apples as a family tradition ever since my kids started trick or treating. Some times they turned out other times not so much... Well you know what they say "practice makes perfect", i think we've done just that with this apple and i would LOVE to share my caramel apple secrets with you.

SO here's how it's going to work (all winners will be picked by a random number generator):

1st prize: Triangula Quilt Pattern and the Ghosty Gift Tags

2nd prize: Triangula Quilt Pattern

3rd prize: Ghostly Gift Tags

How do you WIN!!! It's easy, just leave a comment about Halloween.

If you would like an EXTRA entry or entry's blog about it, tweet about it, or facebook it!! And just to keep things easy and fair, please leave a seperate comment for each entry that you have done.

Please check back next THURSDAY to see if you are the lucky WINNER!!

Your wondering WHO wins the Caramel Apple recipe aren't you??? Well you ALL do!!! HERE's the pdf file for your printing convenience! ( if your wondering what lily white is, it's clear corn syrup!)

Don't you just love HALLOWEEN!!!

xo sandra

mexican anyone?

**Mexican Chicken Soup**

4 chicken breasts

olive oil

kosher salt and black pepper

2 cups chopped onions

1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks)

2 cups chopped carrots (4 carrots)

4 large garlic cloves, chopped

2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) chicken stock

1 can diced tomatoes (add half to pot and then puree half)

1 can black beans rinsed and drained

6-10 slices of canned jalapeno peppers chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander seed

1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

toppings

1 bag tortilla strips (found in the salad section of your grocery store)

sliced avocado

sour cream

cheddar cheese

Boil chicken until cooked through. Remove and shred. Set aside chicken and 2-3 cups of the chicken broth. Heat 3 TBsp of olive oil in large pot. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook over medium heat for 10 mins, or until onions starts to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20min on low. Add chicken and simmer for another 10min. Serve with toppings.

I came across this recipe on the Barefoot Contessa's website and modified it a little to make it more "MOM" friendly ; ) Nothing is better than a nice warm boil of soup on a fall day!

Oh, how do you like my NEW look? It's compliments of April over at Sassy Fruit Studio's. I would recommend her to anyone. She did an AMAZING job and was so easy to work with!

thanks April!

COME back and visit on October 1st for some pre-HALLOWEEN fun! You won't want to miss it!

thanks for stopping buy!

xo

sandra

pillow covers

i made some pillow covers to match the quilt...

it was my first time making throw pillows, so it took me a bit longer than i had expected, but now that i've got it down, i think i might have to make myself some!

xo

sas

style... i could use a little

if your looking for the quilting classes look HERE.

i was blog surfing and came across a blog called Sensibly Styled. it's a fashion blog that gives you tips on what to wear and where to find the best deals. this picture came from a post that i really liked. a woman had e-mailed in and asked what her family should wear in their upcoming family photos. she wanted them all to coordinate without being to "matchy matchy". i love what they put together.

what are you waiting for? go over and check it out!

xo

sandra

beginner quilting classes

NEWS: i have decided not to sell my things in the new store in the mall... it was really exciting to feel like the things that i make are store worthy, i just really didn't want the pressure of it all and i wanted sewing to remain FUN!!

speaking of FUN!!! i have been asked by a few ladies if i would teach some beginner quilting classes, FALL just seems like the perfect time to have classes, doesn't it? it's after school has started, and before the Christmas rush. the details of the classes are provided below, if you are in the area and are interested in a class and or classes please E-MAIL me at: sandraannsaunders@gmail.com

there will be 4 classes available. if you take all 4 classes you will be making a baby quilt. if you would just like to pick and choose the class or classes you would like to take you can do that as well.

the easiest way to learn how to quilt is to start on a small project. what better way to learn then on a baby quilt. make it for yourself or give it away as a gift. either way you end up with a beautiful quilt that won't be too overwhelming to finish.

ALL classes are $12.00 per class

ROTARY CUTTING: October 7, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm

rotary cutting is a skill all quilters need in order to save time and make precision cuts. learn how to use your tools correctly and efficiently to make cutting a breeze. this class is a pre-requisit to the quilting class. at the end of this class you will have your quilt pieces cut out and ready to go for the next class.

QUILTING: October 14, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm

join me for a modern take on quilting. this is a beginners class. there will be 3 different patterns to choose from depending on your skill level. each will be unique and modern. with the fabric that we previously cut out from the rotary cutting class we will be piecing the quilt together using basic techniques every quilter should know before they begin quilting on their own.

MACHINE QUILTING: October 28, 2009 8:00pm - 10:00pm

this class will guide you through the basic skills of machine quilting. there are many different techniques and designs in machine quilting. you will learn how to use a walking foot, stitch-in the-ditch and free motion quilting including stippling. learn what a "quilt sandwich" is and how to quilt with minky. no previous quilting experience necessary.

BINDING: November 4, 2009 8:00pm-10:00pm

you are almost to the finish line, just one more step to go. learn the french fold binding technique and how to miter a corner. learn how to machine sew the binding and also the hand sewn method and the advantages of each.

basic supplies needed:

* sewing machine

* rotary cutter, mat and ruler

* free motion foot (picture to follow)

all classes will be offered out of my home. class sizes are limited so to ensure a spot please contact me as soon as possible. supplies will NOT be provided. if you are interested in taking a class and would like to know what supplies are required please e-mail me. for those wanting to make a baby quilt, i will have quilt kits available to be purchased please e-mail me for more information on patterns and available fabrics.

i am really excited to be offering quilt classes! i wanted them to be affordable and FUN in a relaxed atmosphere. it will give you a fun night out with "the girls" while learning skills and techniques that will be used for years to come!

thanks ladies!

xo

sandra

sandraannsaunders@gmail.com

"millions of peaches..."

i went to bed last night with an overwhelming feeling of GRATITUDE.

*GRATEFUL for a mother and grandmother who took the time to teach me.

i remember my grandma's kitchen on canning day, the smell, the boxes of fruit, and my family. i even remember my grandpa and dad doing there part in the kitchen; it was packed in there. my job was to peel the peaches after they had been blanched, you had to peel as fast as you could because they kept on a comin'... it was fun.

*GRATEFUL for a friend that called and said "hey, do you want to can peaches with me."

sometimes you just need that extra push to get motivated. i hadn't canned since i was young and thought that it was more difficult then it really ended up being. thanks...

and last but not least...

*GRATEFUL for the farmer's and the delivery people for bringing these beautiful peaches. my family is sure to enjoy them through the winter months : )

i hope everyone had a GREAT long weekend! i know we did...

xo sandra

swimming

i was helping my sister-in-law order on-line fabric one day and she asked how much she should order. my response was to find a pattern and order what you need for that pattern, to which she replied "i just want to swim in it!" there's something about ordering just the amount you need for a project, completing it and moving on to the next. but sometimes you just want to be creative and have enough fabric around to be creative with.

i wanted to SWIM and my sister was the perfect teacher at the right price ; )

here it is...

do you think i'm swimming yet?

how about now???

a few display items for the store...

and a really BIG mess... who wants to clean

when you have all of this fabric to play with???

happy Wednesday!!!

xo sas

custom...

i finished the custom quilt i was making. i hope you like it Amy! there were many emails back and forth about fabric and patterns etc. we ended up going with this pattern and a bunch of different fabric lines. i think that it all paid off... what do you think?

poster

i won't have my blankets quite ready for when the store opens up on wednesday, (i still need my fabric tags) so the store owner wanted to put up a coming soon poster in her shop. who better to call then my brother-in-law CJ. he has MAD skills. i LOVE it! the logo is perfect, the adorable model is my little niece Ida... who could resist those chubby cheeks. i am thrilled!!

thanks so much for all your help!

if you haven't seen CJ's work go check it out, i bet you've seen it without realizing who was behind the camera!

xo sas

brothers wedding

here's some of the pictures i took of my brothers wedding. it was SO much fun pretending to be a photographer! i used my brothers camera and what a difference. it was a dream!

hope you like them, as much as i liked taking them guys!

oh and Trev, any time you need a right hand man (woman) on your photoshoots, you know who to call!

xo sas